Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head

I always love coming here, and my recent visit on vacation was no exception! The building was closed, but that certainly does not prevent you from going walking around it to access the sand! Is there some sort of trail here? I know this is the end of the mountain-to-sea trail but I thought there was a trail specifically around the park. Plenty of big dunes to take a fun tumble down, and this park contains the highest point in Dare County! They also offer hang gliding here! If you look hard enough you can find the other end of the water too! But what is this mysterious castle structure I took a picture of? There are also showers for your feet at the entrance building, and you will definitely need it!

My kids love this place. I do probably more than them...it's a really big hill of sand, which doesn't sound enjoyable at all, but the entire ecosystem captured there is incredible. Pack sunscreen, it'll be hot, but at the bottom of the dune, just as you come off the boardwalk, is a little basin where the water filters down and settles. The water is very warm and filled with tadpoles, which thrilled my kids to death. Take a kite and hold on, the winds will lift it high and fast. Watch the hang-gliding lessons and explore all the little paths. Great views of both the ocean and the sound

Our all time favorite place to visit in the area regardless of the season. Tip#1: Rent the boards from the shop. Tip#2: WAX, WAX, WAX and WAX the bottom of the board every 3 trips down. Edges first!!! #3:We bring snacks and blankets. Going up and down the hills is exhausting. We lay down, take naps, snack and take walks in between. Our favorite hill is the first real big one in the first main clearing. We haven't covered all of the park but that was our tried and true best out of all the hills we did. Make sure you walk towards the center hills so you can see both the ocean and the sound. It is beautiful. I highly recommend bringing a kite. We just unfold it and like magic it flies, almost too well. I do wish the little store had more Jockey Ridge merchandise. We would have stocked up. The staff were great! Thank you for a great experience.

A trip back in time… the natural swelling dunes are as thrilling now as when I was little boy 55+ years ago. Lovely views atop these wind-blown mountains of sand—the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Albemarle Sound on the other—apart from the encroachment of houses and commercial structures both north and south. Thankful that the park is well kept. Sadly, some people discard their trash along the trails instead of the easily accessible trash receptacles. May we please value and appreciate these natural monuments for future generations!

Without a doubt this park is gorgeous, my review is about the staff which unfortunately was rude during our family visit. In the end, my recommendation is to please call in advance should you need assistance in one of their go carts to access the park. (This park has many sandy walking trails and dunes to walk/climb.) My family is not as outdoorsy as me, I love the outdoors and visiting state parks because being educated by the locals is a highlight. This is the unfriendliest park I've ever visited. My sister (who is pregnant) walked up to someone working there, asking if we could have or book a ride to access the park as a family. He quickly retorted and I heard, "You need to have a physical disability." He said that, to a pregnant person, with a 3 year old son, and a 70 year old man. In the cart, he was carrying what appeared to be an able bodied adult man, and two children that appeared 7-10 years and able bodied. When my sister asked again, explaining about her son and 70 year old father, he was rude, answered, "You need to book that a day in advance." He gave two answers contradicting himself, he didn't seem to educate us at all about the park. I understand if parks have their protocols in place for transportation, this review is about the rudeness my sister and family experienced. He honestly seemed annoyed that she was there at all, asking for help. Which is exactly what a state park worker is supposed to do, help the visitors understand and access the park! We ended up walking a little and enjoyed the wind with a kite we bought. My 3 year old nephew enjoyed it, and my 70 year old father walked the flat dunes a short distance. You will need good walking shoes and physical agility to negotiate the higher dunes. We also saw the go car drive by having a wonderful time as we walked in the park. And if you need physical assistance, please call at least one day in advance.